The Korea Times

Why do North Korean defectors learn English?

Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, compiled these statements from interviews with refugees.Q: Many North Korean refugees struggle to learn English. Many refugees who drop out of college cite English as a major reason. What was the moment you realized you needed to learn English to adjust to life in South Korea?――――――――――-Eun-shil, female, arrived in South Korea in 2013When I was in North Korea, I hated English. After learning about how terrible Americans were, I would feel disgusted using their language. We were taught to learn English so we could use it to confront Americans, but if we were supposed to kill them, did we really need to speak to them in fluent English?Once I began preparing for university study here, I realized how important English was. I remember reading something online ― "If you give up math, you are giving up going to a university. If you give up English, you are giving up your life."When I had an entrance exam interview, I had to read and then explain the meaning of an article in English. I admitted that I

Mar 18, 2018By Casey Lartigue Jr.

Why do North Korean defectors learn English?

Opinion

And the winner isn't …

Casey Lartigue, center, receives the Global Award from Challenge Korea in Seoul on March 8. / Courtesy of Brian KleinBy Casey Lartigue Jr.The “Wide World of Sports” on ABC used to start shows with scenes of athletes celebrating “the thrill of victory” in sporting events. But the opening scene would also show “the agony of defeat” as skiers and motorcyclists tumbled.Within the last month, I publicly experienced the thrill of victory, but also what some may consider the agony of defeat. After I announced on social media that my organization was a finalist for the Asia Liberty Award, a friend asked: “Won’t you be embarrassed if you don’t win?” She reminded me: Koreans “lose face” when they don’t win.I told her that I would only lose face, and be an internet sensation, if I fell off the stage. I would have preferred to be mailed what I was sure would be the finalist award, not the grand prize, but flew to Indonesia ready to shake the winner’s hand.My explanation to my Korean friend: There are many great o

Mar 9, 2018By Casey Lartigue Jr.

Opinion

Defectors speak out on Ivanka Trump calling off meeting with North Korea escapees

Ivanka Trump claps while watching the third heat of the four-man bobsled competition final at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday. / YonhapCasey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, compiled these statements from interviews with the refugees.Questions1. What do you think about Vice President Pence meeting with North Korean refugees?2. What do you think about Ivanka Trump’s decision not to meet NK refugees?-----------------------------------------------------------------Ji young, female, arrived in South Korea in November 2017I am thankful that Trump and Pence took time to meet refugees; it was really encouraging to see. In contrast, the South Korean government is doing everything it can to cozy up to the North Korean regime, treating them like royalty, but not having any public meetings with defectors to balance things out. I recently arrived in South Korea. If there is reunification soon, I could be in danger because South Korea may be willing to embrace reunification under North Korea’s terms. Beca

Feb 25, 2018By Casey Lartigue Jr.

Defectors speak out on Ivanka Trump calling off meeting with North Korea escapees

Opinion

North Korean defectors speak out on Pence, Kim Yo-jong Olympics visit

Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, compiled these statements from interviews with the refugees.Choi-rin, male, arrived in South Korea in 2011I think that it is good that Vice President Pence has come to South Korea. He is from an important country in the world; it makes the Olympics look bigger. Because he is here, we can be sure that North Korea won't attack.It does seem like it has become the North Korean Olympics. There has been so much attention on the cheerleaders, the dance troupe and now on Kim Yo-jong. South Korea seems like the little brother in the relationship. I guess that Kim Jong-un sent his sister because he wants to send a signal that he is seeking better relations with the United States.Kim Un-kyung, female, arrived in 2009I wish I could meet Vice President Pence. I would like to ask him if North Korean refugees can immigrate to the U.S. through Thailand or South Korea. They invited refugees to the White House, but it is important for them to welcome refugees to the country to live, not just to visit for politic

Feb 9, 2018By Casey Lartigue Jr.

North Korean defectors speak out on Pence, Kim Yo-jong Olympics visit

Opinion

Defectors speak on freezing reality of North Korea's winter

In this Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, photo, North Koreans pick from a crop of cabbage covered in snow in Pyongwon county, South Pyongan, North Korea. / AP-YonhapCasey Lartigue Jr. , co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, compiled these statements from interviews with the refugees.Chang-geum, female, arrived in Seoul in 2007I lived in the northwestern part of North Korea, but I prefer not to say which area. We were not in a good situation, so I always wore a sweater and thick clothes at home. We burned wood to keep warm and always used a blanket to cover the floor because it was so cold. We would boil water at home to have hot water.Home was cold, but school was even colder, I don’t remember ever having a heating system in school. I preferred to skip school so I could stay at home to keep warm. There were times that we were so cold at school, shivering, that we would tap our feet on the floor to keep our feet warm. Our teachers would tell us to pay attention, but sometimes it was impossible. At school, we would burn wood in the classroom. I don’t

Feb 4, 2018By Casey Lartigue Jr.

Defectors speak on freezing reality of North Korea's winter

Opinion

Defectors' view on North Korean music troupe leader's visit to South

Casey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, compiled these statements from interviews with the refugees. Chul-ong, male, arrived in South Korea in 2015I was near Seoul station when she arrived, so I went over to see what was going on. I was able to see her from a distance and then read the news reports later. She looked too proud, too confident. The reality is that she is a prisoner just like the others in North Korea. They have privileged status because they are from North Korea’s elite, but if she were here, she would be a regular person. She doesn't know the society here, the media was focused on her for the moment, but it would not last, they would move to the next story very quickly. Some people may be optimistic, but I don't believe the relationship between North and South Korea will change because of this.Nam-Sun (Sam), male, arrived in South Korea in 2010 She looked so proud and confident, but she was being so careful because she knows the regime is watching every move she makes. The media was eager to photograph her, but s

Jan 26, 2018By Casey Lartigue Jr.

Casey Lartigue Jr.

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Why do North Korean defectors learn English?

And the winner isn't …

Defectors speak out on Ivanka Trump calling off meeting with North Korea escapees

North Korean defectors speak out on Pence, Kim Yo-jong Olympics visit

Defectors speak on freezing reality of North Korea's winter

Defectors' view on North Korean music troupe leader's visit to South

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